Gibson Guitar begins $2.4-million expansion

Gibson Guitar Corp. plans to build new manufacturing and warehouse facilities near the airport at 641 Massman Drive. The projects are valued at $1,235,700 and $1,168,200.

Gibson official Darrell Baker said the new facilities will enable the company to streamline its operations on one campus. The company currently also operates from facilities at 1818 Elm Hill Pike.

Building permits, issued on Feb. 5, are for the construction of a new 150-by-200-foot light manufacturing rough mill and the construction of a 150-by-200-foot warehouse to be located on the west side of the existing warehouse. The guitar manufacturing process begins in the rough mill where raw lumber is planed down. R.C. Mathews is the contractor on both projects.

R.C. Mathews project manager Mark Jarrell indicated that construction is anticipated to be complete within five to six months. Footings are being poured this week.

Gibson has operations across the United States and throughout the world, including Germany, England, France and Japan.